Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

ECCLESIASTES 5:2KJV
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Ecclesiastes 5:2 (KJV)

What does Ecclesiastes 5:2 mean?

Ecclesiastes 5:2 warns against speaking impulsively or making hasty promises when addressing God, reminding the reader to be thoughtful and restrained in prayer or speech because God is in heaven and people are on earth. The verse encourages humility and carefulness with words, recognizing the vast difference between God and humans.

The book of Ecclesiastes presents reflections from a wise teacher, often called "the Preacher," who addresses those seeking wisdom about life and faith. In this verse, the speaker cautions people in the context of worship or prayer at the temple, urging them not to rush into making vows or declarations before God. The verse highlights the importance of reverence and self-control in approaching God, especially given the human tendency to speak without thinking.

The Hebrew behind Ecclesiastes 5:2

  • רָשׁ (rash, H926): This word means to be hasty or reckless. Its use here emphasizes not just careless speech, but speech that is rushed and thoughtless, especially in a sacred context.
  • לֵב (lev, H3820): Translated "heart," this word often refers to the inner self or intentions. The verse warns that even inner intentions or silent thoughts should not be rushed before God, not just spoken words.
  • דָּבָר (davar, H1697): This word means "word" or "thing." Its repetition in the verse highlights that both spoken words and the matters one brings before God should be considered carefully.
  • מְעַט (me'at, H4592): Translated "few," this word encourages restraint and brevity, suggesting that thoughtful, limited speech is more appropriate than many words before God.

Why Ecclesiastes 5:2 matters

  • Ecclesiastes 5:2 clarifies that reverence for God is shown not just in actions but also in how one speaks and thinks, especially in prayer.
  • The verse corrects the common misunderstanding that more words or elaborate prayers are better; instead, it values sincerity and thoughtfulness.
  • This teaching fits into the wider theme of Ecclesiastes, which often contrasts human limitations with God's greatness, encouraging humility and honesty in all dealings with God.

Where else these words appear

“rash” Hebrew H926 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
  • Job 4:5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
  • Psalms 90:7 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.

“hasty” Hebrew H4116 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
  • Judges 9:48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that were with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that were with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:5 And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened it not.

“few” Hebrew H4592 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 1 Samuel 14:29 Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.
  • Proverbs 6:10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: